Ham is a versatile and delicious meat that can be enjoyed any day of the week. One type of ham that is perfect for a weeknight dinner is the smoked daisy ham.
Also known as Boston butt or cottage ham, this cut of meat has a rich, smoky flavor that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you want to bake it in the oven or simmer it on the stove, there are many ways to prepare a smoked daisy ham.
In this article, we will explore some of the best methods for cooking this delicious ham, so you can enjoy it at home with your family and friends.
So, let’s get started!
How To Cook A Smoked Daisy Ham?
There are several ways to cook a smoked daisy ham, but the most popular methods are baking and simmering. Here’s how to do it:
What Is A Smoked Daisy Ham?
A smoked daisy ham is a boneless cut of pork meat that comes from the front shoulder of the pig. It is also known as Boston butt, pork shoulder daisy butt, smoked shoulder butt, shoulder butt, rolled pork shoulder, and cottage ham. The “butt” in the name “Boston butt” refers to the upper part of the shoulder which is regarded as the butt of the shoulder. The prefix “daisy” is actually a description of the cross-section of the boneless cut, which appears daisy-like in shape at the center of the meat.
Smoked daisy ham has a thick, rich layer of fat on its surface, which is usually trimmed off to leave just a thin layer of fat. The trimming off occurs either before cooking or after, depending on what you’re making it with. If you’re making it along with other ingredients such as cabbage, it is advisable to trim the fat off before cooking. However, if you’re making it alone—for example, you just want to bake it or smoke it—then trimming after baking would be just fine. Generally, it’s better to trim before you cook this boneless meat cut.
Daisy ham comes in varying sizes, but you could go with a 3-pound daisy ham for a family-size dinner. It could be eaten with or without side dishes, and there are plenty of ways available on how to cook a daisy ham. One of the simplest ways is boiling it in a pot of water. You could also bake it in an oven by preheating it to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and cooking for 35 minutes per pound. Another way is to simmer it in water along with potatoes, carrots, and cabbage for about an hour or until vegetables are tender.
Choosing The Right Smoked Daisy Ham
When it comes to choosing the right smoked daisy ham, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s important to look for a ham that has less visible fat and is a long, narrow cut. This will ensure that the ham cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out during the cooking process.
Another factor to consider is the type of curing process used on the ham. Wet-cured hams are soaked in or injected with a salt-based brining solution, resulting in a moist and mild-tasting meat. Dry-cured hams, on the other hand, are rubbed with a dry salt mixture and aged for several months or even up to a year. These hams have a drier, coarser texture and a more concentrated flavor.
For a rich and flavorful baked daisy ham, look for a bone-in, spiral-sliced, smoked ham. The bone will add extra flavor and help keep the meat juicy, while the spiral slicing makes serving easy. Smoking gives the ham its signature smoky flavor, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.
No matter which type of smoked daisy ham you choose, be sure to trim off any excess fat before cooking and score the fat on the outside of the ham in a crisscross pattern. This will allow the fat to cook crisp and add extra texture to your dish.
Oven-baked Smoked Daisy Ham Recipe
Baking a smoked daisy ham is a great way to enjoy its rich flavor and crispy texture. To start, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Trim any excess fat from the ham, leaving a thin layer of about 1/3 inch on the outside. Score the ham in a crisscross pattern about 1/4 inch deep with a knife to allow the fat to cook crisp. Rub salt or seasoning into the ham, working it into the knife cuts.
Place the ham in a roasting pan and bake for 35 minutes per pound, which equates to about two hours and 20 minutes for a 4-lb. ham and two hours, 55 minutes for a 5-lb. ham. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham, which should be 160 degrees Fahrenheit when it’s fully cooked. Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing it into pieces.
When baking a smoked daisy ham, it’s important not to overheat it as this can dry out the meat. The optimum temperature for reheating is between 135 and 145 degrees Fahrenheit, so be sure to monitor the temperature closely.
Stovetop Simmered Smoked Daisy Ham Recipe
If you prefer to simmer your smoked daisy ham on the stovetop, here’s a recipe to follow:
Ingredients:
– 1 smoked boneless pork shoulder butt roast (2 to 2-1/2 pounds)
– 1 head of savoy cabbage, cored, trimmed, and quartered
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 redskin potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, peeled and chopped
– 1 bundle of green beans, tied with kitchen string
– 2 dried bay leaves
– 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Let the refrigerated pork sit on the counter for 1 hour prior to cooking.
2. Rinse the shoulder under cold running water.
3. Place the shoulder in a large stock pot.
4. Cover the shoulder by 2 inches with cold water.
5. Place the stock pot over Medium-High heat on the stovetop.
6. Cover and let the shoulder come to a rolling boil.
7. Reduce heat to just below Medium.
8. Boil the ham for 20 minutes per pound or until done. Ham is done when internal temperature reaches 150F degrees.
9. Turn off the heat and let ham sit in pot to cool completely.
10. Remove from liquid and place on a cutting board.
11. Remove and discard the skin and excess fat. Save the bones.
12. Slice as desired and set aside.
13. Add the carrots, potato, cabbage, onion, bay leaves, peppercorns, salt, and pepper to the pot with the ham liquid.
14. Cover and continue to simmer for about 25 minutes.
15. Use kitchen string to tie the green beans into a bundle and add them to the pot.
16. Cover and continue to cook until the carrots and potatoes are tender, about 25 minutes more.
17. To serve, remove pork to a serving dish and arrange vegetables around it.
18. Allow the pork to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
This stovetop simmered smoked daisy ham recipe is a delicious alternative to baking your ham in the oven. The savory flavors of the pork shoulder butt roast are enhanced by the vegetables and spices in this recipe, making it a hearty and satisfying meal for any occasion.
Glazing And Seasoning Options For Smoked Daisy Ham
Glazing and seasoning a smoked daisy ham can add an extra layer of flavor to this already delicious meat. While the basic recipe calls for light brown sugar, yellow mustard, and pineapple slices, there are many other glazing and seasoning options that can take your ham to the next level.
One popular option is to use honey instead of brown sugar. This will give your ham a richer, more complex flavor profile. You can also add a touch of cinnamon or ginger to the glaze for a warm, spicy kick.
Another option is to use fruit preserves or jam in place of the pineapple slices. Apricot or peach preserves work particularly well with ham, but you can experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination.
For a tangy twist, try adding vinegar to your glaze. Balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar can add depth and complexity to the sweetness of the sugar.
If you want to add a smoky flavor to your ham, consider using smoked paprika or chipotle powder in your glaze. This will give your ham a subtle smokiness that complements the natural smokiness of the meat.
Finally, if you want to keep it simple, you can always just use a classic honey mustard glaze. Mix together honey and Dijon mustard, and brush it over your ham for a sweet and tangy finish.
No matter which glazing and seasoning options you choose, be sure to follow the basic recipe for cooking your smoked daisy ham. With a little experimentation, you can create a delicious and unique dish that will impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds.
Serving Suggestions For Smoked Daisy Ham.
Smoked daisy ham is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to help you get the most out of your ham:
1. Classic Ham Dinner: Serve your smoked daisy ham with mashed potatoes, green beans, and dinner rolls for a classic and delicious meal.
2. Sandwiches: Thinly slice your ham and use it as a filling for sandwiches. Add cheese, lettuce, and tomato for a tasty lunchtime treat.
3. Breakfast: Dice your ham and add it to scrambled eggs or omelets for a hearty breakfast.
4. Salads: Cut your ham into cubes and add it to salads for a protein boost. It pairs well with greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
5. Casseroles: Use your smoked daisy ham in casseroles like macaroni and cheese or scalloped potatoes for added flavor and depth.
No matter how you choose to serve your smoked daisy ham, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Experiment with different dishes and enjoy the smoky flavor of this delicious ingredient.
